Every year, from July to October, I raise money in memory of the greatest man I have ever known, my late father (Norman) David Gilchrist. For the past few years, this fundraising has been for Love Your Sister. The twist is that for every dollar donated through this campaign (up to the stated target amount), I make an additional donation to a second cause close to our family. Bald Gilly came into being in 2013 as an initial concept of daring my loved ones to put their money where their mouths are, thinking that I'd put the initial target so high that there was no chance I'd have to actually go through with it and bare the physical scars of paediatric neurosurgery which up until that point had not seen the light of day in 30 years. The execution of the concept meant that I have never underestimated the generosity of my mates ever since. It also showed me, that once my ugly mug was out there for all to see, the one act of physical vulnerability I do annually hopefully already has made a difference in the lives of those who have gone through the same things we have since the day the music died. From 2013 to 2020, I participated in Dry July to benefit cancer support services separately to my individual fundraising efforts and to separate these two fundraising efforts, only launched Bald Gilly fundraising in the first week of August so that the latter campaign would be exclusively in memory of dad. On 22 July 2021, our family welcomed David's granddaughter to the world, and from the following year onwards, I have committed to launching the formal fundraising period on this day so that the centre of my universe will always have a connection to the most inspirational man I will ever know. Since this change, I have focused my fundraising solely on Bald Gilly, having moved away from Dry July specifically prior to the pandemic lockdown Dad, this one, as always is for you. For the full background, including links to past years' fundraisers and "before and after pictures" from all shaves done thus far, check out the Bald Gilly facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BaldGilly/ and some of my past campaigns can be found via http://linktr.ee/BaldGilly A key part of the Bald Gilly campaign is my commitment to "pay it forward" through matching all donations made to Love Your Sister through this page with a donation of the same amount to causes which pay tribute to the memory of loved ones. At the conclusion of this year's campaign on October 24, 2025, a donation up to the amount of the initial fundraising target (or the total amount raised, whichever is the lower amount) will be made in memory of a recently departed member of our extended family, who passed away recently. The details of where this donation will be made will be published here once a decision has been made. Since 2013, through your generous donations as well as Bald Gilly's donation matching in recent years has collectively raised tens of thousands of dollars to honour the memory of a one of a kind, dearly loved and missed husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and confidant. Together we have made a difference through ongoing support of cancer charities, disability organisations and childrens' charities. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support. This year's page was published in mid July, and the campaign launched on 22 July, the fourth birthday of Bald Gilly's niece (and David's adored granddaughter) Chiara, whom David would have loved with all his heart. To celebrate Chiara whilst remembering the grandfather she never got the chance to meet, Bald Gilly's annual fundraising target has been $2207 since 2022 (and $2207.21 where amounts have been able to include amounts other than whole dollars, symbolising Chiara's full date of birth. Shortly after this page went live, Chiara's dearly beloved maternal grandmother (Lola) Grace passed away very suddenly. Grace, who would have turned 77 less than 2 weeks before this year's shave day, was dearly loved and respected and involved in her local community for over 30 years, and so in Grace's memory, this year, Bald Gilly will be matching the total raised on this page (up to $2207) with a donation to Grace's community association in her memory. In loving memory of David Gilchrist (1949 - 2011) and Grace Roson Torres (1948 - 2025). Always loved, forever in our hearts As always, thank you once again for the difference you have made. Not just in the lives of those supported by the not for profit organisations you have donated to, but the light you have brought to the heart of Bald Gilly and the extended BG Family, which you have become a part of in your support. I continue to be deeply humbled by the love and support of those who have made a difference. Thank you for allowing me to continue to honour the memory of my hero.